TABLE 2: SUMMER FORAGING (June-August)

January 29, 2026 1 min read

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What When Where How Notes
ELDER FLOWERS (Sambucus nigra) Late May-June (1-2 week window) Hedgerows, woodland edges Cut flower heads, shake out insects Morning harvest (before heat); cordial/fritters
LIME FLOWERS (Tilia) Late June-July (very brief – 7-10 days) Lime trees (parks, avenues) Pick flower clusters with bract Calming tea; harvest quickly (window short)
WILD STRAWBERRY fruit (Fragaria vesca) June Woodland edges, banks Pick individual berries Tiny (0.5-1.5cm) but intensely flavored
WILD RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) June-July Woodland clearings, disturbed ground Pick when hollow (detaches from core) Extremely delicate; eat fresh or jam immediately
BILBERRY (Vaccinium myrtillus) July-August Upland heaths, acidic soil Strip berries into container DARK PURPLE FLESH = bilberry; pale = Bog Bilberry (limit consumption)
BLACKBERRY (Rubus fruticosus) begins August onward Hedgerows, scrub (everywhere) Pick ripe black berries Peak Aug-Sept; avoid after Michaelmas (Sept 29)
CHANTERELLE (Cantharellus) July-Nov (if wet) Oak/beech woodland, mossy areas Cut at base, leave some RIDGES not gills; apricot smell; spore print essential
DOG ROSE petals (Rosa canina) June-July Hedgerows, woodland edges Pick petals (leave some for hips) Edible flowers; fragrant
MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula) June-Aug Wetlands, meadows Cut flower heads Aspirin precursor (salicylic acid); sweet smell

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